Let’s Talk About Hyperpigmentation: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and How to Show It the Door
Hyperpigmentation is one of those skin terms that gets tossed around a lot—kind of like “hydrating” or “glowy”—but what does it really mean? And more importantly, what can you do about it?
If you've ever looked in the mirror and noticed spots that weren’t there before (hello, sun freckles that overstayed their welcome) or patches of skin that seem darker than the rest, you're not alone. Hyperpigmentation affects all skin types and tones and shows up in all sorts of sneaky ways. The good news? You’re not stuck with it. And yes, you can treat it effectively with the right products, lifestyle habits, and professional treatments, like the ones offered at About Face Skin Co.
So grab a beverage, and let’s dig into everything you need to know about hyperpigmentation: what it is, what it isn’t, how to spot it early, how to treat it, and, maybe most importantly, how to stop it before it starts.
What Hyperpigmentation Is (and What It Isn’t)
Hyperpigmentation is a term used to describe patches of skin that become darker than your natural skin tone. It happens when your skin produces more melanin than it should, leading to uneven tone or blotchy areas. It’s not harmful in itself, but it can be frustrating, especially when it feels like it popped up overnight.
Common Types of Hyperpigmentation:
Sunspots (aka age spots or liver spots): Usually show up on areas that get the most sun: face, chest, hands.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): These spots are left behind after inflammation or injury, like acne, bug bites, or even a scratch.
Melasma: Often hormone-related and typically shows up as symmetrical patches on the cheeks, upper lip, forehead, or jawline. Common during pregnancy or after starting or stopping birth control.
Freckles: Yep, technically a form of hyperpigmentation, though lots of people love and keep them!
What It Isn’t:
It’s easy to confuse hyperpigmentation with other skin conditions that look similar but need very different care.
Hypopigmentation: That’s a loss of pigment, not an increase. Think white patches instead of dark ones (e.g., vitiligo).
Scarring: Raised or textured areas that may or may not have color changes; these need different treatment.
Active Acne: Red or purple bumps are inflammation, not pigmentation (though they often lead to pigmentation).
Moles/Birthmarks: While pigmented, they’re different from hyperpigmentation and should be checked by a dermatologist if they change in size, shape, or color.
When It Starts (Spoiler: Early!)
Here’s the kicker: hyperpigmentation doesn’t just show up in your 40s. The groundwork often starts when we’re young. Those innocent summers playing outside with zero sunscreen? Yep, your skin remembers.
Melanin production is influenced by UV exposure, hormones, injury, and inflammation. That means every sunburn, every popped pimple, every reaction to a product, it’s all potentially adding pigment to your future skin.
So even if you don’t see hyperpigmentation in your 20s, your skin might already be laying the foundation for it.
How to Know If You Have It: Early Signs vs. Developed
Hyperpigmentation can start subtly. You might notice:
A dark mark where a breakout used to be
A slightly darker patch of skin on your upper lip or cheeks
Uneven skin tone that doesn’t improve with exfoliation
Freckles that seem to be multiplying (especially after summer)
As it develops, signs become more noticeable:
Clearly defined dark spots or patches
A “mask-like” appearance (common with melasma)
Discoloration that doesn’t fade with time
An overall dull, uneven complexion
How to Treat It at Home
Let’s be real: tackling hyperpigmentation takes consistency, patience, and the right mix of ingredients. There’s no overnight fix, but, with the right homecare routine, you can fade dark spots and prevent new ones from forming.
Key Ingredients to Look For:
Vitamin C: Brightens and reduces melanin production. Great for dull skin and uneven tone.
Niacinamide: A multi-tasker that helps with inflammation, texture, and pigment.
Retinoids/Retinol: Encourages cell turnover and helps fade dark marks. Be sure to check out the blog post on retinol here.
Azelaic Acid: Anti-inflammatory and pigment-lightening (especially good for melasma).
Licorice Root Extract: Gentle brightener that also calms the skin.
Exfoliants (like lactic or mandelic acid): Help remove dead skin cells and allow other ingredients to work better.
Skincare Tips:
Be gentle. Over-exfoliating can make pigment worse.
Stick with your routine. Pigmentation fades slowly, so give products at least 6–12 weeks.
Avoid harsh DIYs. Lemon juice is not your friend. Neither is baking soda.
Dermalogica Products That Help Fade Hyperpigmentation (and Keep It From Coming Back)
If you're ready to level up your at-home game, Dermalogica has some seriously effective options—science-backed, professional-grade, and perfect for skin that’s ready to get even (in tone, that is).
This is your go-to for fading stubborn spots fast. It uses niacinamide, hexylresorcinol, and light-diffusing technology to brighten and even tone without irritation. Apply daily under moisturizer and SPF.
This silky night cream works while you sleep to restore luminosity and target lingering spots. Think of it as the gentle-but-effective nighttime partner to the Dark Spot Serum.
This gentle rice-based powder exfoliant smooths texture and helps fade pigment without over-stripping. Bonus: it’s safe enough to use every day. Clients love the instant brightening boost.
Packed with a highly stable form of Vitamin C plus peptides, this serum tackles dullness, uneven tone, and early signs of hyperpigmentation. A great option for those starting their brightening journey.
PowerBright Moisturizer SPF 50
This multitasking daily moisturizer hydrates, protects with high-level SPF, and helps fade existing dark spots—all in one step. Lightweight, non-greasy, and ideal for sensitive or pigmented skin.
This targeted overnight peel uses AHAs, enzymes, and brightening agents to resurface and even skin tone fast—without compromising your barrier. Great for boosting results when your skin needs a little extra firepower.
All of these are available for purchase through About Face Skin Co (p.s. clients receive 20% off Dermalogica products and they 100% satisfaction guaranteed!), and I’ll help you pick the right combo for your skin. You don’t need everything—but a smart mix of these can seriously level up your routine and speed up results.
Additionally, I always recommend starting with what you already own—if it’s working. But if your current skincare isn’t cutting it, I’ll help you make strategic swaps that actually work without overwhelming your routine or your budget.
In-Studio Treatments at About Face Skin Co
Sometimes, at-home care just isn’t enough. That’s where professional treatments come in. Because when we combine personalized skincare with targeted technology? That’s when the real magic happens.
Here’s how I help clients tackle hyperpigmentation in the treatment room:
A deep-dive into your skin’s condition and needs, with professional exfoliation, brightening masks, and targeted serums to kickstart change.
While not a pigment treatment per se, improved circulation and lymphatic flow can help with overall skin health, tone, and absorption of brightening serums.
🌟 Advanced Exfoliation (Peels & Enzyme Treatments)
Professional strength exfoliants that go deeper than your at-home acid—used safely and strategically to fade dark spots faster without damaging the skin.
💡 LED Light Therapy
Especially red and near-infrared light, which can reduce inflammation (a big trigger for pigment) and encourage healthy cell turnover. LED therapy is included with all skincare treatments except 30-minute express treatments.
All treatments are customized because one-size-fits-all is cute for ponchos, not skincare.
How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation
This is the part where I put on my SPF preacher hat and lovingly remind you that prevention is way easier than correction. If you’re investing time and money into treating hyperpigmentation, you have to stop it from coming back.
Here’s how:
Wear SPF 30+ every single day. Rain or shine. Clouds don’t stop UV rays. And yes, blue light from screens can affect melanin too.
Reapply sunscreen. Especially if you're outside or near windows. Powder SPFs or setting sprays make it easier.
Don’t pick your skin. Seriously. Just don’t. Every time you pop or scratch, you increase your odds of PIH.
Balance your exfoliation. Too much = irritation = more pigment. Use acids strategically.
Manage hormones with a provider if melasma is an issue. Birth control, pregnancy, and hormone shifts can trigger pigment. And sometimes topical care needs hormonal backup.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone, and You’re Not Stuck
Hyperpigmentation is common and stubborn. It requires patience and a layered approach, but it is treatable. You don’t have to buy every product on the shelf or hide under a hat forever (although a good hat is part of the strategy).
At About Face Skin Co, I help clients every day who are dealing with sun damage, acne scars, and hormonal pigment. We make a plan, tweak your routine if needed, and use in-studio treatments to support your skin’s healing process.
If you’ve been staring at your skin wondering, “Is this a dark spot? Why won’t it fade?”—you don’t have to figure it out alone. Book a consultation, and let’s chat about what’s going on and what will actually work for your skin.
Ready to fade the spots and love your skin again? Book a treatment or schedule a skin consult today. Let’s bring back your glow—without filters.
